Re: I will probably be called mud

[Guest guest]

I'm not seething at you and to tell the truth if my son's communication

(whether verbal or nonverbal) were such that I could rely on him to communicate

what is going on a communication notebook would not be necessary. I have

requested said notebook so I can reinforce what is taught at school, so I can

discuss with my son his day (and have a context to use to interpret what he is

telling me) and to communicate with the staff and they with me any problems my

son may be having that we need to be know about.

I understand staffing cuts have caused some problems but for children that

have limited communication a communication notebook is a vital link for their

parents. Honestly, it was one of the reasons I fought against his being

transferred -- the special ed teacher at the other school didn't feel it was

necessary. I personally don't need a minute by minute run down of my son's

day,

but a quick note telling me what was taught that day helps as well as news of

anything I might (as a parent enjoy or need to hear).

Thanks for your input.

Cari

[Guest guest]

I'm not seething at you and to tell the truth if my son's communication

(whether verbal or nonverbal) were such that I could rely on him to communicate

what is going on a communication notebook would not be necessary. I have

requested said notebook so I can reinforce what is taught at school, so I can

discuss with my son his day (and have a context to use to interpret what he is

telling me) and to communicate with the staff and they with me any problems my

son may be having that we need to be know about.

I understand staffing cuts have caused some problems but for children that

have limited communication a communication notebook is a vital link for their

parents. Honestly, it was one of the reasons I fought against his being

transferred -- the special ed teacher at the other school didn't feel it was

necessary. I personally don't need a minute by minute run down of my son's

day,

but a quick note telling me what was taught that day helps as well as news of

anything I might (as a parent enjoy or need to hear).

Thanks for your input.

Cari

[Guest guest]

I'm not seething at you and to tell the truth if my son's communication

(whether verbal or nonverbal) were such that I could rely on him to communicate

what is going on a communication notebook would not be necessary. I have

requested said notebook so I can reinforce what is taught at school, so I can

discuss with my son his day (and have a context to use to interpret what he is

telling me) and to communicate with the staff and they with me any problems my

son may be having that we need to be know about.

I understand staffing cuts have caused some problems but for children that

have limited communication a communication notebook is a vital link for their

parents. Honestly, it was one of the reasons I fought against his being

transferred -- the special ed teacher at the other school didn't feel it was

necessary. I personally don't need a minute by minute run down of my son's

day,

but a quick note telling me what was taught that day helps as well as news of

anything I might (as a parent enjoy or need to hear).

Thanks for your input.

Cari

[Guest guest]

At the risk of pissing everyone off I will give some

input from the secondary special ed teacher outlook.

The one thing I desperately try to teach my students

is independence. Yes, we all care about our children,

however there is a point where we have to look at them

and ask ourselves whether we are allowing them ANY

opportunities for this. Not only do our kids have to

grow up, so do we. It is incredibly difficult to begin

to let go, but we must to give them the opportunities

for freedom and independence that we take for granted.

I have had many students who could have led semi

independant lives, but their parents/guardians were so

protective they never received the chance.

Communication books are good, but frankly email is

easier(can be done after school) and I don't use it

daily. Logistically, with 15 students on a case load

it would take 30 minutes of class instructional time

away from something to write in 15 books each day, not

a good use of time. As for things not being set up

prior to school. Personnel in all districts are

shifted according to the number of students and it IS

a nightmare before school starts. It probably won't

change.There is an incredible shortage of special ed

teachers in some areas due to the increase of

requirements from NCLB and state mandates.

Hopefully you all are not seething at this time, but

sometimes we have to try on the other shoe and it can

be hard to deal with. Please don't think I don't

sympathize I do. I also have a child with down

syndrome who is starting school with a new teacher

because of cutbacks.

--- CMancari@... wrote:

> At least your communication notebooks are being

> utilized -- Nick's first day

> two days the special ed teachers weren't set up for

> him as they were still

> tweaking their schedule! Nick spends the majority

> of his day in the resource

> room with the special ed teachers. I don't think

> they are up and running

> completely yet!

>

> I did get a note Friday (1st day) that stated Nick

> was wandering the halls

> and the aide (special ed room) had to go to Nick's

> regular ed classroom and

> keep him in line. That's all the communication

> I've gotten so far.

>

> Cari

>

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

At the risk of pissing everyone off I will give some

input from the secondary special ed teacher outlook.

The one thing I desperately try to teach my students

is independence. Yes, we all care about our children,

however there is a point where we have to look at them

and ask ourselves whether we are allowing them ANY

opportunities for this. Not only do our kids have to

grow up, so do we. It is incredibly difficult to begin

to let go, but we must to give them the opportunities

for freedom and independence that we take for granted.

I have had many students who could have led semi

independant lives, but their parents/guardians were so

protective they never received the chance.

Communication books are good, but frankly email is

easier(can be done after school) and I don't use it

daily. Logistically, with 15 students on a case load

it would take 30 minutes of class instructional time

away from something to write in 15 books each day, not

a good use of time. As for things not being set up

prior to school. Personnel in all districts are

shifted according to the number of students and it IS

a nightmare before school starts. It probably won't

change.There is an incredible shortage of special ed

teachers in some areas due to the increase of

requirements from NCLB and state mandates.

Hopefully you all are not seething at this time, but

sometimes we have to try on the other shoe and it can

be hard to deal with. Please don't think I don't

sympathize I do. I also have a child with down

syndrome who is starting school with a new teacher

because of cutbacks.

--- CMancari@... wrote:

> At least your communication notebooks are being

> utilized -- Nick's first day

> two days the special ed teachers weren't set up for

> him as they were still

> tweaking their schedule! Nick spends the majority

> of his day in the resource

> room with the special ed teachers. I don't think

> they are up and running

> completely yet!

>

> I did get a note Friday (1st day) that stated Nick

> was wandering the halls

> and the aide (special ed room) had to go to Nick's

> regular ed classroom and

> keep him in line. That's all the communication

> I've gotten so far.

>

> Cari

>

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Well I was ready to jump in here this afternoon, since it's been 4 days

of school so far, and not one thing except a general note to all from

the teacher telling up Back to School night was Sept. 8, and she'd tell

us about 2nd grade then. communicates things that are of

interest to her. I know from day 1 her teacher is " super-duper nice "

(must be a copy from someone..... not her typical vocab, LOL). I know

from day 2 that a girl named has the same shoes as she does. I

know from day 3 that you can get 3 " take a break " cards and go to the

principal (I was impressed by this one..... useful info to me too!).

And today, her favorite topic (almost obsessive, really)..... they had a

fire drill and it was too loud (and she showed me by covering her

ears). For her, it's a lot of info (coaxed out of her by me!), but I'm

dying to know how her day went, did she eat lunch with someone (or

alone, which is another issue), who sits a her classroom table, etc.

At 5pm (working late, this new RSP is a doll) the RSP called to tell me

she had been observing a lot in the classroom, how great

thing were going, how impressed the teacher was with her, the type of

" positive reinforcement " system this teacher uses for all the kids, how

this year's communicatiom book would work (based off all the notes and

sample from last year), etc. Told me she took a math assessment today

and worked really hard and finished (although she only got a couple

right, she worked hard, which made me happy that they focused on her

trying), talked about social goals and how/when them might be

implemented, when OT, Speech and APE would start, math pullout, etc. 45

minute call, it was really nice to hear from someone. Told me that

today was late coming in from lunch (she was apparently in the

bathroom a little longer than she thought). No one had a fit,

asked the teacher after she came in..... Do I have to take a " take a

break " card " . Teacher asked her where she was, then told her to do her

best to get in on time, and seeing how sad was for missing

part of storytime, just had her sit down and continued..... didn't make

a big deal of it. Last year that would have been the cause for all

sorts of notes and such! Told me the aide shared is very

aware of the classroom rules this year, and wants to do things right....

she's trying to be very conscientious. Wow..... real communication!

So, we'll see what tomorrow brings with this year's communication

sheet. The teacher sounds great (can't wait to get some feedback from

her), the environment is consistent, firm and positive, RSP is smart,

kind, and motivated, and the aide has rested up her patience over the

summer, LOL. I'm glad I never finished my post about how bad I thought

things were going to be for this year for a variety of

reasons...... things are looking up already.

, mom to (9), (7 DS), and (5)

CMancari@... wrote:

>I'm not seething at you and to tell the truth if my son's communication

>(whether verbal or nonverbal) were such that I could rely on him to communicate

>what is going on a communication notebook would not be necessary. I have

>requested said notebook so I can reinforce what is taught at school, so I can

>discuss with my son his day (and have a context to use to interpret what he is

>telling me) and to communicate with the staff and they with me any problems my

>son may be having that we need to be know about.

>

>I understand staffing cuts have caused some problems but for children that

>have limited communication a communication notebook is a vital link for their

>parents. Honestly, it was one of the reasons I fought against his being

>transferred -- the special ed teacher at the other school didn't feel it was

>necessary. I personally don't need a minute by minute run down of my son's

day,

>but a quick note telling me what was taught that day helps as well as news of

>anything I might (as a parent enjoy or need to hear).

>

>Thanks for your input.

>

>Cari

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Well I was ready to jump in here this afternoon, since it's been 4 days

of school so far, and not one thing except a general note to all from

the teacher telling up Back to School night was Sept. 8, and she'd tell

us about 2nd grade then. communicates things that are of

interest to her. I know from day 1 her teacher is " super-duper nice "

(must be a copy from someone..... not her typical vocab, LOL). I know

from day 2 that a girl named has the same shoes as she does. I

know from day 3 that you can get 3 " take a break " cards and go to the

principal (I was impressed by this one..... useful info to me too!).

And today, her favorite topic (almost obsessive, really)..... they had a

fire drill and it was too loud (and she showed me by covering her

ears). For her, it's a lot of info (coaxed out of her by me!), but I'm

dying to know how her day went, did she eat lunch with someone (or

alone, which is another issue), who sits a her classroom table, etc.

At 5pm (working late, this new RSP is a doll) the RSP called to tell me

she had been observing a lot in the classroom, how great

thing were going, how impressed the teacher was with her, the type of

" positive reinforcement " system this teacher uses for all the kids, how

this year's communicatiom book would work (based off all the notes and

sample from last year), etc. Told me she took a math assessment today

and worked really hard and finished (although she only got a couple

right, she worked hard, which made me happy that they focused on her

trying), talked about social goals and how/when them might be

implemented, when OT, Speech and APE would start, math pullout, etc. 45

minute call, it was really nice to hear from someone. Told me that

today was late coming in from lunch (she was apparently in the

bathroom a little longer than she thought). No one had a fit,

asked the teacher after she came in..... Do I have to take a " take a

break " card " . Teacher asked her where she was, then told her to do her

best to get in on time, and seeing how sad was for missing

part of storytime, just had her sit down and continued..... didn't make

a big deal of it. Last year that would have been the cause for all

sorts of notes and such! Told me the aide shared is very

aware of the classroom rules this year, and wants to do things right....

she's trying to be very conscientious. Wow..... real communication!

So, we'll see what tomorrow brings with this year's communication

sheet. The teacher sounds great (can't wait to get some feedback from

her), the environment is consistent, firm and positive, RSP is smart,

kind, and motivated, and the aide has rested up her patience over the

summer, LOL. I'm glad I never finished my post about how bad I thought

things were going to be for this year for a variety of

reasons...... things are looking up already.

, mom to (9), (7 DS), and (5)

CMancari@... wrote:

>I'm not seething at you and to tell the truth if my son's communication

>(whether verbal or nonverbal) were such that I could rely on him to communicate

>what is going on a communication notebook would not be necessary. I have

>requested said notebook so I can reinforce what is taught at school, so I can

>discuss with my son his day (and have a context to use to interpret what he is

>telling me) and to communicate with the staff and they with me any problems my

>son may be having that we need to be know about.

>

>I understand staffing cuts have caused some problems but for children that

>have limited communication a communication notebook is a vital link for their

>parents. Honestly, it was one of the reasons I fought against his being

>transferred -- the special ed teacher at the other school didn't feel it was

>necessary. I personally don't need a minute by minute run down of my son's

day,

>but a quick note telling me what was taught that day helps as well as news of

>anything I might (as a parent enjoy or need to hear).

>

>Thanks for your input.

>

>Cari

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Nope.. I'm not going to call you mud. I am sure that you communicate with

the parents when you need to and NOT just when there is a problem.

So far, Maverick has a one on one aide and all I hear are negative things

about him.

He is nonverbal and while I would like him to be independent, he can't tell

me what his homework is and he certainly can't do it independently because

they are expecting him to do freshman grade level work.

Now, do you THINK that any of these teachers have looked at his IEP?

We have things set up so nicely so that Maverick CAN be independent, so that

the teachers CAN see how he learns best, see what his present level of

performance is and what his goals are.

We have the forms that he is working on, the goal sheets that THEY need to

fill out for the units that they are working on so that I can adapt and/or

modify his work at home.

Yet, they aren't doing any of this, just complaining that he is not doing

his work.

So, I will complain when they don't do theirs.

AND I will praise them greatly when they do a good job.

I do NOT expect each teacher to write things each day. We have a very

simplified check sheet and they can add comments if they need. They have my

home and cell numbers. They have 's work and cell number. And they

have our email. There is NO WAY they can't get ahold of us.

I want to hear if they have problems and I will work with him and help

correct the issues. But I also want to hear when he does good and that

seems to be a problem.

As for independence. Hey, it's only the 3rd week in High School.. you tell

me WHAT freshman is being independent, much less a child with sp needs!!!!!

AND for THAT matter, the AUG COM is supposed to FOSTER independence and yet,

no one at the school knows how to work it? They have a speech therapist

coming from the preschool to train them that we have to get paid out of our

DDD funds NOT EVEN THROUGH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT! LOL.

The comments in the email are in no way meant to condemn or commend any

certain method of education or any certain setting for education. They are

MY opinion based on My and my sons experiences soley.

[Guest guest]

Nope.. I'm not going to call you mud. I am sure that you communicate with

the parents when you need to and NOT just when there is a problem.

So far, Maverick has a one on one aide and all I hear are negative things

about him.

He is nonverbal and while I would like him to be independent, he can't tell

me what his homework is and he certainly can't do it independently because

they are expecting him to do freshman grade level work.

Now, do you THINK that any of these teachers have looked at his IEP?

We have things set up so nicely so that Maverick CAN be independent, so that

the teachers CAN see how he learns best, see what his present level of

performance is and what his goals are.

We have the forms that he is working on, the goal sheets that THEY need to

fill out for the units that they are working on so that I can adapt and/or

modify his work at home.

Yet, they aren't doing any of this, just complaining that he is not doing

his work.

So, I will complain when they don't do theirs.

AND I will praise them greatly when they do a good job.

I do NOT expect each teacher to write things each day. We have a very

simplified check sheet and they can add comments if they need. They have my

home and cell numbers. They have 's work and cell number. And they

have our email. There is NO WAY they can't get ahold of us.

I want to hear if they have problems and I will work with him and help

correct the issues. But I also want to hear when he does good and that

seems to be a problem.

As for independence. Hey, it's only the 3rd week in High School.. you tell

me WHAT freshman is being independent, much less a child with sp needs!!!!!

AND for THAT matter, the AUG COM is supposed to FOSTER independence and yet,

no one at the school knows how to work it? They have a speech therapist

coming from the preschool to train them that we have to get paid out of our

DDD funds NOT EVEN THROUGH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT! LOL.

The comments in the email are in no way meant to condemn or commend any

certain method of education or any certain setting for education. They are

MY opinion based on My and my sons experiences soley.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Sorry you didnt sign your name- but I for one am not pissed off and you said

exactly what I was thinking- adding that the beginning of the year is

incredibly difficult and to expect that much for 1st and 2nd days of school is

near

impossible.

I too am a teacher and the first few days of school I dont even go to the

bathroom. It takes a while to get to know everyone and get to be in a routine

and once that settles, there might be time for writing in the book. But taking

away from instructional time or setting of routines at the beginning is not a

good idea.

Many of us (myself included) are sending our kids off into unknown

terriories. I know that amanda is verbal but yesterday she was saying to my

mom, " I'm

so nervous about HS- I dont even know where the bathrooms are. " I cant even

imagine the fears that our kids go through in the beginning of a new experience.

But we have to have a little faith that sometimes the people we entrust our

kids to be in their care for over 6 hours a day, sorta know what they are

doing. And sometimes it takes a while- but if your child seems happy and not

harmed, give the staff a break and let them do their job and you will be

surprised

how much calmer they will communicate. And this is strange- but there has

always for the past 15 years or so been these incredible human beings that sort

of just watch over . I dont know why- but after a while I calm down and

just trust she is being well taken care of.

And if that dont work, then huge frozen margaritas help.... (oops wrong list,

LOL)

~ Mom to 15 DS and Diabetes Type 1 and 11 NYC

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Sorry you didnt sign your name- but I for one am not pissed off and you said

exactly what I was thinking- adding that the beginning of the year is

incredibly difficult and to expect that much for 1st and 2nd days of school is

near

impossible.

I too am a teacher and the first few days of school I dont even go to the

bathroom. It takes a while to get to know everyone and get to be in a routine

and once that settles, there might be time for writing in the book. But taking

away from instructional time or setting of routines at the beginning is not a

good idea.

Many of us (myself included) are sending our kids off into unknown

terriories. I know that amanda is verbal but yesterday she was saying to my

mom, " I'm

so nervous about HS- I dont even know where the bathrooms are. " I cant even

imagine the fears that our kids go through in the beginning of a new experience.

But we have to have a little faith that sometimes the people we entrust our

kids to be in their care for over 6 hours a day, sorta know what they are

doing. And sometimes it takes a while- but if your child seems happy and not

harmed, give the staff a break and let them do their job and you will be

surprised

how much calmer they will communicate. And this is strange- but there has

always for the past 15 years or so been these incredible human beings that sort

of just watch over . I dont know why- but after a while I calm down and

just trust she is being well taken care of.

And if that dont work, then huge frozen margaritas help.... (oops wrong list,

LOL)

~ Mom to 15 DS and Diabetes Type 1 and 11 NYC

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/31/2005 3:26:38 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

jbocci55@... writes:

You have to hang in for a couple weeks. If the info doesn't start flowing

back and forth by the second full week.......ATTACK! Lol

This is exactly why I haven't called the school to complain. I realize that

they need time to get things in place and routines established. Thankfully,

they also realize Nick works best when he has a routine/schedule established

and they are a little more forgiving these first few days while everyone

gets settled into their routines/schedules.

I will wait until later in September before I question the lack of

communication (if it doesn't start flowing), but it is frustrating from a

concerned

parent's point of view that the only communication about school they receive is

from the child who has communication difficulties.

Cari

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/31/2005 3:26:38 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

jbocci55@... writes:

You have to hang in for a couple weeks. If the info doesn't start flowing

back and forth by the second full week.......ATTACK! Lol

This is exactly why I haven't called the school to complain. I realize that

they need time to get things in place and routines established. Thankfully,

they also realize Nick works best when he has a routine/schedule established

and they are a little more forgiving these first few days while everyone

gets settled into their routines/schedules.

I will wait until later in September before I question the lack of

communication (if it doesn't start flowing), but it is frustrating from a

concerned

parent's point of view that the only communication about school they receive is

from the child who has communication difficulties.

Cari

[Guest guest]

I ditto everything said in her post. You have to hang in for a couple

weeks. If the info doesn't start flowing back and forth by the second full

week.......ATTACK! Lol! I am sitting at my desk at school buried in beginning

of the year paperwork......completely overwhelmed.....as every teacher is this

time of year.

Jackie

-------------- Original message --------------

> Hi,

> Sorry you didnt sign your name- but I for one am not pissed off and you said

> exactly what I was thinking- adding that the beginning of the year is

> incredibly difficult and to expect that much for 1st and 2nd days of school is

> near

> impossible.

>

> I too am a teacher and the first few days of school I dont even go to the

> bathroom. It takes a while to get to know everyone and get to be in a routine

> and once that settles, there might be time for writing in the book. But taking

> away from instructional time or setting of routines at the beginning is not a

> good idea.

>

> Many of us (myself included) are sending our kids off into unknown

> terriories. I know that amanda is verbal but yesterday she was saying to my

> mom, " I'm

> so nervous about HS- I dont even know where the bathrooms are. " I cant even

> imagine the fears that our kids go through in the beginning of a new

experience.

>

> But we have to have a little faith that sometimes the people we entrust our

> kids to be in their care for over 6 hours a day, sorta know what they are

> doing. And sometimes it takes a while- but if your child seems happy and not

> harmed, give the staff a break and let them do their job and you will be

> surprised

> how much calmer they will communicate. And this is strange- but there has

> always for the past 15 years or so been these incredible human beings that

sort

> of just watch over . I dont know why- but after a while I calm down and

> just trust she is being well taken care of.

>

> And if that dont work, then huge frozen margaritas help.... (oops wrong list,

> LOL)

>

> ~ Mom to 15 DS and Diabetes Type 1 and 11 NYC

>

>

>

> Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for messages

> to go to the sender of the message.

>

[Guest guest]

I ditto everything said in her post. You have to hang in for a couple

weeks. If the info doesn't start flowing back and forth by the second full

week.......ATTACK! Lol! I am sitting at my desk at school buried in beginning

of the year paperwork......completely overwhelmed.....as every teacher is this

time of year.

Jackie

-------------- Original message --------------

> Hi,

> Sorry you didnt sign your name- but I for one am not pissed off and you said

> exactly what I was thinking- adding that the beginning of the year is

> incredibly difficult and to expect that much for 1st and 2nd days of school is

> near

> impossible.

>

> I too am a teacher and the first few days of school I dont even go to the

> bathroom. It takes a while to get to know everyone and get to be in a routine

> and once that settles, there might be time for writing in the book. But taking

> away from instructional time or setting of routines at the beginning is not a

> good idea.

>

> Many of us (myself included) are sending our kids off into unknown

> terriories. I know that amanda is verbal but yesterday she was saying to my

> mom, " I'm

> so nervous about HS- I dont even know where the bathrooms are. " I cant even

> imagine the fears that our kids go through in the beginning of a new

experience.

>

> But we have to have a little faith that sometimes the people we entrust our

> kids to be in their care for over 6 hours a day, sorta know what they are

> doing. And sometimes it takes a while- but if your child seems happy and not

> harmed, give the staff a break and let them do their job and you will be

> surprised

> how much calmer they will communicate. And this is strange- but there has

> always for the past 15 years or so been these incredible human beings that

sort

> of just watch over . I dont know why- but after a while I calm down and

> just trust she is being well taken care of.

>

> And if that dont work, then huge frozen margaritas help.... (oops wrong list,

> LOL)

>

> ~ Mom to 15 DS and Diabetes Type 1 and 11 NYC

>

>

>

> Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for messages

> to go to the sender of the message.

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/31/2005 4:19:44 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

CMancari@... writes:

You have to hang in for a couple weeks. If the info doesn't start flowing

back and forth by the second full week.......ATTACK!

I agree also and that is why I wasn't upset that Micah's therapies will not

kick in for a few weeks as they figure out the schedule. But to have an aide

that knows absolutely NO sign language with a child that uses it is not

fair. This is not the school's fault or the teachers, this is the

administrators

fault for not putting into place what was agreed upon in his IEP. We are

talking about a kid who has never been on a bus or to this school before to go

into kindy with no real support in place. What happens when he signs potty

or thirsty and know one knows what he wants. He isn't even 5 yet for heavens

sake. I told them at the team meeting that all the resources in the world in

that classroom are useless for Micah if he cannot communicate with them. I

believe this is a non-negotiable point. I have placed this squarely on the

administrators shoulders but the teacher knows I am concerned and why?

Loree

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/31/2005 4:19:44 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

CMancari@... writes:

You have to hang in for a couple weeks. If the info doesn't start flowing

back and forth by the second full week.......ATTACK!

I agree also and that is why I wasn't upset that Micah's therapies will not

kick in for a few weeks as they figure out the schedule. But to have an aide

that knows absolutely NO sign language with a child that uses it is not

fair. This is not the school's fault or the teachers, this is the

administrators

fault for not putting into place what was agreed upon in his IEP. We are

talking about a kid who has never been on a bus or to this school before to go

into kindy with no real support in place. What happens when he signs potty

or thirsty and know one knows what he wants. He isn't even 5 yet for heavens

sake. I told them at the team meeting that all the resources in the world in

that classroom are useless for Micah if he cannot communicate with them. I

believe this is a non-negotiable point. I have placed this squarely on the

administrators shoulders but the teacher knows I am concerned and why?

Loree

[Guest guest]

I didn't complain, I simply made a check list, replaced the other log pages

with it and then sent it to school today. They LIKED it! Thing is, they

have a couple of minutes at the end of the day that they write in the logs.

This is going to make it lots easier for them because they don't have to answer

anything that isn't important but they have space to put things that they

might not have thought that I wanted to know about, such as inappropriate

behavior- which was " touching her nose. " By this, I assume they mean picking

her

nose... a gift learned from her brother.

In any case, when she came home today I felt like I had a better sense of

the makeup of her day as well as a forum for the team to fill me in without fear

that I don't want to hear about things.

Also, I got lots more input as to what they are planning to do so that I can

work with her at home.

I feel better about sending her now and I know that THEY know that I want to

work WITH them.

Connie

Mom to Hannah (6 DS Kindergarten)

In a message dated 8/31/2005 4:19:42 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

CMancari@... writes:

In a message dated 8/31/2005 3:26:38 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

jbocci55@... writes:

You have to hang in for a couple weeks. If the info doesn't start flowing

back and forth by the second full week.......ATTACK! Lol

This is exactly why I haven't called the school to complain. I realize

that

they need time to get things in place and routines established.

Thankfully,

they also realize Nick works best when he has a routine/schedule

established

and they are a little more forgiving these first few days while everyone

gets settled into their routines/schedules.

I will wait until later in September before I question the lack of

communication (if it doesn't start flowing), but it is frustrating from a

concerned

parent's point of view that the only communication about school they

receive is

from the child who has communication difficulties.

Cari

[Guest guest]

I didn't complain, I simply made a check list, replaced the other log pages

with it and then sent it to school today. They LIKED it! Thing is, they

have a couple of minutes at the end of the day that they write in the logs.

This is going to make it lots easier for them because they don't have to answer

anything that isn't important but they have space to put things that they

might not have thought that I wanted to know about, such as inappropriate

behavior- which was " touching her nose. " By this, I assume they mean picking

her

nose... a gift learned from her brother.

In any case, when she came home today I felt like I had a better sense of

the makeup of her day as well as a forum for the team to fill me in without fear

that I don't want to hear about things.

Also, I got lots more input as to what they are planning to do so that I can

work with her at home.

I feel better about sending her now and I know that THEY know that I want to

work WITH them.

Connie

Mom to Hannah (6 DS Kindergarten)

In a message dated 8/31/2005 4:19:42 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

CMancari@... writes:

In a message dated 8/31/2005 3:26:38 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

jbocci55@... writes:

You have to hang in for a couple weeks. If the info doesn't start flowing

back and forth by the second full week.......ATTACK! Lol

This is exactly why I haven't called the school to complain. I realize

that

they need time to get things in place and routines established.

Thankfully,

they also realize Nick works best when he has a routine/schedule

established

and they are a little more forgiving these first few days while everyone

gets settled into their routines/schedules.

I will wait until later in September before I question the lack of

communication (if it doesn't start flowing), but it is frustrating from a

concerned

parent's point of view that the only communication about school they

receive is

from the child who has communication difficulties.

Cari

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/31/2005 2:26:37 PM Central Standard Time,

jbocci55@... writes:

I ditto everything said in her post. You have to hang in for a couple

weeks. If the info doesn't start flowing back and forth by the second full

week.......ATTACK! Lol! I am sitting at my desk at school buried in

beginning of the year paperwork......completely overwhelmed.....as every

teacher is

this time of year.

Jackie

HI

I can understand if communicating in a notebook fell on the teacher for the

first week, luckily in our case Sara has an assistant and she has been writing

in Sara's agenda book since day one.

My frustration lies with the communication lol I'm getting a strong feeling

that Sara is again new to a school and to personal and is viewed more as a

child with a LD label than MR. For the past 2 days she's had to be prodded to

go

to SS and Science. They even gave her a tardy ................ like this

carries any weight to her lol Im very concerned that she's not being motivated

as she is accustom to ........... the way that's worked for 3 years I

really need to call a conference so I can instruct them on the does and don'ts

but

I know we will have another IEP meeting around the 12th (Interim IEP runs

out around then) so in the mean time Ive typed up a 5 page report card with her

17 goals. Im trying to make life easier for the teachers lol I'm typing up

tomorrow a questionnaire for the staff on how she is doing and any other info

I need to know. Sara does NOT answer questions well, I only hear what she

wants to tell me and sometimes it comes days late lol communication is

something

that means more to me than gold .............. I have to be able to cue her

and reinforce what she learns daily .............. she's a 24-7 student

This year is going to be a journey, I love the atmosphere of this area and

school but Im having some doubts on their judgments on Sara.

Kathy mom to Sara 13

¸...¸ ___/ /\ \___ ¸...¸

,·´º o`·, /__/ _/\_ \__\ ,·´º o`·,

```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | | | ```)¨(´´´

¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-.¸

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Josh. 24:15

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/31/2005 2:26:37 PM Central Standard Time,

jbocci55@... writes:

I ditto everything said in her post. You have to hang in for a couple

weeks. If the info doesn't start flowing back and forth by the second full

week.......ATTACK! Lol! I am sitting at my desk at school buried in

beginning of the year paperwork......completely overwhelmed.....as every

teacher is

this time of year.

Jackie

HI

I can understand if communicating in a notebook fell on the teacher for the

first week, luckily in our case Sara has an assistant and she has been writing

in Sara's agenda book since day one.

My frustration lies with the communication lol I'm getting a strong feeling

that Sara is again new to a school and to personal and is viewed more as a

child with a LD label than MR. For the past 2 days she's had to be prodded to

go

to SS and Science. They even gave her a tardy ................ like this

carries any weight to her lol Im very concerned that she's not being motivated

as she is accustom to ........... the way that's worked for 3 years I

really need to call a conference so I can instruct them on the does and don'ts

but

I know we will have another IEP meeting around the 12th (Interim IEP runs

out around then) so in the mean time Ive typed up a 5 page report card with her

17 goals. Im trying to make life easier for the teachers lol I'm typing up

tomorrow a questionnaire for the staff on how she is doing and any other info

I need to know. Sara does NOT answer questions well, I only hear what she

wants to tell me and sometimes it comes days late lol communication is

something

that means more to me than gold .............. I have to be able to cue her

and reinforce what she learns daily .............. she's a 24-7 student

This year is going to be a journey, I love the atmosphere of this area and

school but Im having some doubts on their judgments on Sara.

Kathy mom to Sara 13

¸...¸ ___/ /\ \___ ¸...¸

,·´º o`·, /__/ _/\_ \__\ ,·´º o`·,

```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | | | ```)¨(´´´

¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-.¸

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Josh. 24:15

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/31/2005 6:28:15 PM Central Standard Time,

Loree5@... writes:

This is not the school's fault or the teachers, this is the administrators

fault for not putting into place what was agreed upon in his IEP.

Hi

I echo this,

And have to add that Sara's team always has had her IEP weeks before school

starts. They know what supports are to be in place day one. With this said yes

I do expect communication day one, this is a support written in her IEP and

to be in compliance they must communicate via her agenda book. As far as the

work they have to do in their class etc...... Sara's teacher (last year) had

this time penned in her day, like all of her other tasks. This year it's been

delegated to Sara's assistant, works for me

Kathy mom to Sara 13

¸...¸ ___/ /\ \___ ¸...¸

,·´º o`·, /__/ _/\_ \__\ ,·´º o`·,

```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | | | ```)¨(´´´

¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-.¸

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Josh. 24:15

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/31/2005 6:28:15 PM Central Standard Time,

Loree5@... writes:

This is not the school's fault or the teachers, this is the administrators

fault for not putting into place what was agreed upon in his IEP.

Hi

I echo this,

And have to add that Sara's team always has had her IEP weeks before school

starts. They know what supports are to be in place day one. With this said yes

I do expect communication day one, this is a support written in her IEP and

to be in compliance they must communicate via her agenda book. As far as the

work they have to do in their class etc...... Sara's teacher (last year) had

this time penned in her day, like all of her other tasks. This year it's been

delegated to Sara's assistant, works for me

Kathy mom to Sara 13

¸...¸ ___/ /\ \___ ¸...¸

,·´º o`·, /__/ _/\_ \__\ ,·´º o`·,

```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | | | ```)¨(´´´

¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-.¸

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Josh. 24:15

[Guest guest]

I know it takes a few days to get things under control but I would really be

stressed out to find out my kid was wondering the halls unattended. My sons

daily communication book gets written in by different people. Many times it is

the aide that was with him and other times the SPED teacher, OT and ST also

write in it. I get info on what he did during his day so that we can have a

conversation and so he learns to answer questions and to converse.

Without info about his day in his log I would have this conversation with

him.

" what did you do today? " Answer " Fine "

As you see he did not answer what but how were you today. We first practice

by having the teachers send home a note with a question for me to ask and then

they supply the answer in his log. When I ask him WHAT I can help teach him

to answer that question by knowing the answer. Now with them telling me

highlights of his day. I can ask and he can answer more readily.

Jean

[Guest guest]

I know it takes a few days to get things under control but I would really be

stressed out to find out my kid was wondering the halls unattended. My sons

daily communication book gets written in by different people. Many times it is

the aide that was with him and other times the SPED teacher, OT and ST also

write in it. I get info on what he did during his day so that we can have a

conversation and so he learns to answer questions and to converse.

Without info about his day in his log I would have this conversation with

him.

" what did you do today? " Answer " Fine "

As you see he did not answer what but how were you today. We first practice

by having the teachers send home a note with a question for me to ask and then

they supply the answer in his log. When I ask him WHAT I can help teach him

to answer that question by knowing the answer. Now with them telling me

highlights of his day. I can ask and he can answer more readily.

Jean